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A Man and His Presidents: The Political Odyssey of William F. Buckley Jr.
William F. Buckley Jr. is widely regarded as the most influential American conservative writer, activist, and organizer in the postwar era. In this nuanced biography, Alvin Felzenberg sheds light on little-known aspects of Buckley's career, including his role as back-channel adviser to policy makers, his intimate friendship with both Ronald and Nancy Reagan, his changing views on civil rights, and his break with George W. Bush over the Iraq War.Felzenberg demonstrates how Buckley conveyed his message across multiple platforms and drew upon his vast network of contacts, his personal charm, his extraordinary wit, and his celebrity status to move the center of political gravity in the United States closer to his point of view. Including many rarely seen photographs, this account of one of the most compelling personalities of American politics will appeal to conservatives, liberals, and even the apolitical.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published May 2, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 19, 2018
Very interesting read. Buckley was a fascinating & influential character. I think the author didn't relay the time of the Reagan Presidency in the most accurate & best light but overall was an interesting look at the political landscape & the reality of the subversive groups & individuals that were trying to undermine America & what Buckley did to bring it to light
April 28, 2026
Interesting. I did not like Buckley before I read this and I like him less now. What a pompous ass, who was so wrong about so many things--Joseph McCarthy, antisemitism, Reagan... but he believed he was so right. Ick.
December 6, 2017
Felzenberg is able to write a biography that shows love for its subject without passing over flaws. Discusses in detail Buckley's relationships with politicians, evolving political social views, and early life. Very interesting anecdotes. A good introduction to Buckley's life with a hint at his works.
Striking to me was the rigor Buckley showed in serving as the gatekeeper for the conservative movement he founded. His castigation and exile of the John Birch Society is well known, less known is the personal cost he endured in those who financially backed him. Also his ability to evolve in his views on race and poverty presents a strong example to conservatives of all stripes today. Working for the Nixon White House Buckley early on met workers in the "community organizing movement" and had wonderful things to say about people who were tackling issues of systemic poverty close to the ground on the local level.
Learned plenty that I did not know as a Buckley fan and found the things I did know well presented. Anyone interested on the intersection of the modern media and politics, the growth of the Conservative movement, or more about the career of one of the greatest and certainly most eloquent and interesting journalists of the post war period would enjoy this one. My only qualm is that the book felt a little hurried at the end. The biographical and political analysis began to lag at the end as the narrative just felt like a jumble of quotes and anecdotes as Buckley retreated from public life. This book might as well have dropped off after the Reagan era and been just as good.
Striking to me was the rigor Buckley showed in serving as the gatekeeper for the conservative movement he founded. His castigation and exile of the John Birch Society is well known, less known is the personal cost he endured in those who financially backed him. Also his ability to evolve in his views on race and poverty presents a strong example to conservatives of all stripes today. Working for the Nixon White House Buckley early on met workers in the "community organizing movement" and had wonderful things to say about people who were tackling issues of systemic poverty close to the ground on the local level.
Learned plenty that I did not know as a Buckley fan and found the things I did know well presented. Anyone interested on the intersection of the modern media and politics, the growth of the Conservative movement, or more about the career of one of the greatest and certainly most eloquent and interesting journalists of the post war period would enjoy this one. My only qualm is that the book felt a little hurried at the end. The biographical and political analysis began to lag at the end as the narrative just felt like a jumble of quotes and anecdotes as Buckley retreated from public life. This book might as well have dropped off after the Reagan era and been just as good.
December 18, 2017
This book is not well-titled, either in its main or sub- titles. The first third is mostly a straight biography, that narrows into his political and public actions when he becomes an adult. It becomes more accurate when the book begins to discuss his work for Goldwater, his interactions with Nixon, and his longtime mentoring of Reagan (great cover photo, by the way). The author had some 5700 thrice-weekly columns to draw from (not to mention hundreds of NR editorials), so an appropriate quote is never far away. He's spent some time with Buckley's private correspondence, too.
It is nearly impossible to overstate the influence that WFB has had on the conservative moment (indeed, would there even be a movement without him?). Felzenberg avoids speculating how WFB would have dealt with the mess we're in today, but it does make for an interesting intellectual exercise. I think Buckley's voice today would be greatly hampered just because of the sheer number of media figures wearing the conservative mantle (which is, of course, ironically due to WFB's own success).
Buckley did not always agree with GOP presidents--far from it. He was a bit too isolationist for my own taste. Yet he was always civil (well, as long as you weren't Gore Vidal) and always thoughtful. The country would be in a far worse place without Buckley's decades-long public "ministry." Even today it is not a bad exercise to consider how WFB would have handled whatever crisis is the hot topic of the moment.
It is nearly impossible to overstate the influence that WFB has had on the conservative moment (indeed, would there even be a movement without him?). Felzenberg avoids speculating how WFB would have dealt with the mess we're in today, but it does make for an interesting intellectual exercise. I think Buckley's voice today would be greatly hampered just because of the sheer number of media figures wearing the conservative mantle (which is, of course, ironically due to WFB's own success).
Buckley did not always agree with GOP presidents--far from it. He was a bit too isolationist for my own taste. Yet he was always civil (well, as long as you weren't Gore Vidal) and always thoughtful. The country would be in a far worse place without Buckley's decades-long public "ministry." Even today it is not a bad exercise to consider how WFB would have handled whatever crisis is the hot topic of the moment.
June 18, 2025
Re-listen 2025: decided to revisit this after reading the massive Tanenhaus tome on WFB. Felzenberg is clearly a fan of Buckley but this does not prevent him from criticism or noting how his subject's perspective and views on critical issues changed or evolved. The overarching theme is how Buckley sought to influence and impact American politics and culture across all mediums and opportunities (debate, lecture, print, radio, TV, etc.) and through his friendships and connections. And he made an impressive impact indeed.
Whitaker Chambers' Beaconsfield position, pragmatism instead of ideology in terms of tactics and strategy, came to dominate WFB's approach. What stood out to me on listening for a second time was that, despite his often ferocious loyalty, Buckley was a determined foe of communism and statism. He was not afraid to criticize even life long friends and political allies if he felt they were undermining or harming the cause of anticommunism or increasing the size and scope of government at the expense of the individual. He understood that the fight against communism would necessitate a large role for government but he never abandoned the fight for freedom and individualism. While not a strict biography, it nevertheless helps paint a picture of the life work of Buckley and along the way illuminates American politics in the twentieth century.
Whitaker Chambers' Beaconsfield position, pragmatism instead of ideology in terms of tactics and strategy, came to dominate WFB's approach. What stood out to me on listening for a second time was that, despite his often ferocious loyalty, Buckley was a determined foe of communism and statism. He was not afraid to criticize even life long friends and political allies if he felt they were undermining or harming the cause of anticommunism or increasing the size and scope of government at the expense of the individual. He understood that the fight against communism would necessitate a large role for government but he never abandoned the fight for freedom and individualism. While not a strict biography, it nevertheless helps paint a picture of the life work of Buckley and along the way illuminates American politics in the twentieth century.
March 30, 2018
Prior to this book, my knowledge of Buckley was limited to seeing him as a debating opponent who got his butt handed to him by James Baldwin and Noam Chomsky, giving Hitchens his first appearance on US TV, and being the co-subject of a fun documentary about his public fight with Gore Vidal.
This is a biography, but one focuses on Buckley's movements during each presidential election from Kennedy through Bush 2. Buckley was at his peak of influence under Reagan, and it was impressive to see the degree of impact he had in the '80s.
I wish this book had focused more on Buckley's changes of faith with regards to overcoming antisemitism early in his life and racism against blacks later in his life. But there is plenty of ink given to other battles with his own inconsistencies:
Felzenberg unearths other scary/gross opinions Buckley held, such as his early response to the Civil Rights movement that all states should disenfranchise the uneducated by removing their voting rights, as the vote of a poorly informed person could "nullify" the vote of an informed person. Buckley also was a steadfast supporter of McCarthy, even after the demagogue's fall, and remained lifelong friends with Kissinger. I wonder if Buckley would have the same influence it it weren't for the Cold War, and the country's demand for hawkish voices.
Maybe the most interesting story that I wish I had gotten more of was Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign, and the sea change that it brought to US politics.
Some fun historical context: early in his career, Buckley railed against liberal university cultures and their espousal of what he deemed "moral equivalence". The temperature that he brought the debate over what ideas can be discussed at liberal universities reminds me much of today, and sounds like history repeating.
Also a great line by Lionel Trilling: "For it is the plain fact that nowadays there are no conservative or reactionary ideas in general circulation. This does not mean, of course, that there is no impulse to conservatism or to reaction. Such impulses are certainly very strong, perhaps even stronger than most of us know. But the conservative impulse and the reactionary impulse do not, with some isolated and some ecclesiastical exceptions, express themselves in ideas but only in action or in irritable mental gestures which seek to resemble ideas."
This is a biography, but one focuses on Buckley's movements during each presidential election from Kennedy through Bush 2. Buckley was at his peak of influence under Reagan, and it was impressive to see the degree of impact he had in the '80s.
I wish this book had focused more on Buckley's changes of faith with regards to overcoming antisemitism early in his life and racism against blacks later in his life. But there is plenty of ink given to other battles with his own inconsistencies:
Buckley never completely reconciled in his own mind when reliance on majority rule can expand freedom and when it might constrict it. He would embrace extending decision making to a broader base as a means to curb the powers of elites who, in his view, were not acting in the interests of the broader society or upholding ancient time tested values. Yet he did not consider the masses, who varied in educational attainment and outlook, capable of making informed choices or acting in the general interest. In his view, Democracy, at its best, generated government by the lowest common denominator... he never resolved in his mind the tension between his elitist and populist strains
Felzenberg unearths other scary/gross opinions Buckley held, such as his early response to the Civil Rights movement that all states should disenfranchise the uneducated by removing their voting rights, as the vote of a poorly informed person could "nullify" the vote of an informed person. Buckley also was a steadfast supporter of McCarthy, even after the demagogue's fall, and remained lifelong friends with Kissinger. I wonder if Buckley would have the same influence it it weren't for the Cold War, and the country's demand for hawkish voices.
Maybe the most interesting story that I wish I had gotten more of was Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign, and the sea change that it brought to US politics.
Some fun historical context: early in his career, Buckley railed against liberal university cultures and their espousal of what he deemed "moral equivalence". The temperature that he brought the debate over what ideas can be discussed at liberal universities reminds me much of today, and sounds like history repeating.
Also a great line by Lionel Trilling: "For it is the plain fact that nowadays there are no conservative or reactionary ideas in general circulation. This does not mean, of course, that there is no impulse to conservatism or to reaction. Such impulses are certainly very strong, perhaps even stronger than most of us know. But the conservative impulse and the reactionary impulse do not, with some isolated and some ecclesiastical exceptions, express themselves in ideas but only in action or in irritable mental gestures which seek to resemble ideas."
April 14, 2020
William F. Buckley Jr., better known as Bill, was one of the most important persons in the history of modern conservatism of the USA, if not the world. A thinker, writer, master debater armed with a enormous amount of vocabularies at his disposal, he served as a flame keeper of conservatism, by way of his famed conservative periodical, the National Review, guiding (Republican) presidents lest they strayed from the conservative path. Unfortunately, only one Republican presidents who did listen to what he said, and that man was Ronnie Reagan. Ron-Will partnership became important for both of them for Bill became closest advisor and friend at the same time. Buckley could also be credited, along with Goldwater, for launching Reagan’s political career. Other presidents, not so much. An independent man, Buckley did not shy from conflicts with Nixon (he was among the first conservatives to call for Nixon’s resignation), Ford, Bush Sr., and Bush Jr., never fear to sound out their going astray from conservatism.
Bill Buckley Jr. was a great man indeed. However, for me the greatest aspect of Buckley was his earnestness to advance the cause of conservatism, by creating a tent for various forms of conservatism to group up and strengthen the movement itself. The National Review itself, at least during his lifetime, became a medium for debates among conservatives on many issues, open to every conservatives as long as they are not racist or loony in his opinion. The other aspect was his journey from a dogmatic young man bent to undo the New Deal while fighting of communism abroad into a mature man who decided on the priority of the whole movement while gathering important men under conservative banner.
Important note: while Buckley was a very important man in conservative movement, he was not credited with finding a particular ideology. In fact, there was no Buckleyism. Which makes him even greater in my opinion.
Bill Buckley Jr. was a great man indeed. However, for me the greatest aspect of Buckley was his earnestness to advance the cause of conservatism, by creating a tent for various forms of conservatism to group up and strengthen the movement itself. The National Review itself, at least during his lifetime, became a medium for debates among conservatives on many issues, open to every conservatives as long as they are not racist or loony in his opinion. The other aspect was his journey from a dogmatic young man bent to undo the New Deal while fighting of communism abroad into a mature man who decided on the priority of the whole movement while gathering important men under conservative banner.
Important note: while Buckley was a very important man in conservative movement, he was not credited with finding a particular ideology. In fact, there was no Buckleyism. Which makes him even greater in my opinion.
April 20, 2018
This recounting of William F. Buckley's life is nothing short of amazing, both in what the reader learns and in the uncovering of a lot of previous notions about the man being permanently shattered. I write this is as a Buckley fanatic. However, the "warts and all" presentation of his life leads one to reflect that Buckley was very much a product of his era.
Although he, and the staff at National Review stood "athwart history yelling stop", they were nonetheless captive to its arc, having adjusted their ideology to the times, largely out of experience, a far greater and more real teacher than the zeitgeist of the times. Regardless of whatever illusions of the man conservatives may find dismaying in this book, we take comfort in Buckley's desire to rid the movement of cooks, cranks, racists, like those of the John Birch Society.
Given the state of things now, it now, more important than ever to read this book. Conservatives must take stock and remember their roots, if we are to regain our rightful place as a dominant, not receding factor, against burgeoning populism. Even if one doesn't read this as someone concerned with Buckley's life, they can at a minimum, marvel at what he was able to accomplish in restoring what was once a maligned and marginalized ideology.
Although he, and the staff at National Review stood "athwart history yelling stop", they were nonetheless captive to its arc, having adjusted their ideology to the times, largely out of experience, a far greater and more real teacher than the zeitgeist of the times. Regardless of whatever illusions of the man conservatives may find dismaying in this book, we take comfort in Buckley's desire to rid the movement of cooks, cranks, racists, like those of the John Birch Society.
Given the state of things now, it now, more important than ever to read this book. Conservatives must take stock and remember their roots, if we are to regain our rightful place as a dominant, not receding factor, against burgeoning populism. Even if one doesn't read this as someone concerned with Buckley's life, they can at a minimum, marvel at what he was able to accomplish in restoring what was once a maligned and marginalized ideology.
July 18, 2017
Fascinating biography of William F. Buckley, jr., editor of National Review and the recognized godfather of the modern conservative movement. His story and evolution largely charts the same for conservatism from Eisenhower to Bush 43. He deemed it his calling in life to "stand[] athwart history, yelling Stop, at a time when no one is inclined to do so, or to have much patience with those who so urge it." He essentially achieved his mission upon the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980. During the prior 30 years, Buckley shouted more or less alone in the wilderness. He proved that principled conservatives could stand toe-to-toe against the intelligentsia of the Left and come out ahead. With the ascension of Reagan, he demonstrated the broad appeal of his ideas.
Felzenberg offers a worthy tribute to his subject. He clearly admires Buckley, but he also draws attention to Buckley's shortcomings -- most notably on race.
Felzenberg offers a worthy tribute to his subject. He clearly admires Buckley, but he also draws attention to Buckley's shortcomings -- most notably on race.
January 25, 2023
A well written book about a man who was nothing short than excellent. I did not say there is a lot of debatable characteristics of William Buckley. But that is what made him such a great man. I am so glad I read this book during this current period of time. I forgot that when he was around one could organize thoughts around facts and history. It is always good to grab for the past so one can move forward and let the past go be just that - history...
To establish the conservative evolution of Buckley, the author describes the ideological battles between Buckley and former presidents and leading political figures. Presidents Richard Nixon, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush defined their own brands of conservatism and their implementation in the Republican Party which went against Buckley’s domestic and foreign policy agenda.
I sure wish we could have someone around like William Buckley. But I can appreciate George Will and/or David Brooks.
To establish the conservative evolution of Buckley, the author describes the ideological battles between Buckley and former presidents and leading political figures. Presidents Richard Nixon, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush defined their own brands of conservatism and their implementation in the Republican Party which went against Buckley’s domestic and foreign policy agenda.
I sure wish we could have someone around like William Buckley. But I can appreciate George Will and/or David Brooks.
October 16, 2018
I’ve read several reviews saying that this book isn’t what it says on the cover.
It is.
While I abhor Buckley’s politics, he had an interesting life, and was an exceptionally bright and witty man. This book carves out a niche by focusing on his relationships with presidents from FDR to George W. Bush, via various other people he didn’t like much, and Reagan. And while it’s a little too short, shallow and limited in scope to match a political biography like Jean Edward Smith’s FDR or T. Harry Williams’ Huey Long, it’s also enlightening and highly entertaining. Felzenberg’s research feels very comprehensive and, but for a little repetition and some shortcomings imposed by the restrictive structure, it’s nicely written too.
Some of Buckley’s putdowns made me laugh out loud. It’s a shame he was such a heartless, poisonous snake.
It is.
While I abhor Buckley’s politics, he had an interesting life, and was an exceptionally bright and witty man. This book carves out a niche by focusing on his relationships with presidents from FDR to George W. Bush, via various other people he didn’t like much, and Reagan. And while it’s a little too short, shallow and limited in scope to match a political biography like Jean Edward Smith’s FDR or T. Harry Williams’ Huey Long, it’s also enlightening and highly entertaining. Felzenberg’s research feels very comprehensive and, but for a little repetition and some shortcomings imposed by the restrictive structure, it’s nicely written too.
Some of Buckley’s putdowns made me laugh out loud. It’s a shame he was such a heartless, poisonous snake.
October 14, 2017
I was a huge Buckley supporter during and after my senior year in college after listening to one of his debates on campus in 1965. I loved firing line and it's back and forth debates over the issues of the day. I admired his brilliance and wit. I think this book was supposed to extoll his greatness in advancing the Conservative movement. It had the opposite effect for me. I found him to be a shallow thinker who frequently mis-read the political climate and didn't have nearly the influence that I believed he had.
I read this book to reinforce my pre-existing opinions of him as a great thinker but came away wondering why I thought that.
I read this book to reinforce my pre-existing opinions of him as a great thinker but came away wondering why I thought that.
November 8, 2017
A great biography of a great man. While the theme of the book is how Buckley interacted with the presidents of his time, it was a solid story of his life. I found it interesting that he was able to admit that some of his original political views turned out to be wrong, e.g., civil rights as a federalism issue. It's also interesting to note the many friends he made who were from the other side of the political aisle - something we don't seem to see today. I also did not realize the significant impact he had on Ronald Reagan before and after he was an elected official.
If you're a Buckley fan this will reinforce your admiration. If you're not, it might turn you around.
If you're a Buckley fan this will reinforce your admiration. If you're not, it might turn you around.
February 27, 2018
Today, when it seems so many have forgotten the meaning of the word "conservatism," this is a must read about the movement's modern day hero. I was in the gym locker room last week with this book sitting on the bench next to me as I put on my shoes--a kid of about 18 looked at the cover and beamingly told his friends what I was reading. I was surprised the kid even knew who WFB was and his enthusiasm heartened me. WFB died 10 years ago today and I can only hope with the Trumps and Bernies seemingly cornering the market on the youth today that a few of them will pick up this book and read it with an open mind.
July 5, 2017
An in-depth look at the career of William F. Buckley, Jr. and how he made conservatism a mainstream and respectable ideology. From the influence of his family upbringing, his war service, Yale experience, his first book, founding National Review, and his advising (and criticizing) presidents up to Obama. Provides some wonderful insights to how he influenced people (both behind the scenes and in public), stood by his principles but also changed his mind when facts contradicted his beliefs. It's a long read, but well worth it for the historical sweep it provides.
December 3, 2017
"The best and the brightest" is often synonymous with the people who comprised President Kennedy's administration. William F. Buckley was also one of "the best and the brightest" - however he was a right wing intellectual and therefore not thought of as such back then.
He did have considerable influence on American politics for decades, perhaps most so during Reagan's presidency.
Regardless of where you stand politically, this odyssey is a great way to revisit American history of the second half of the 20th century as seen through a brilliant right wing intellectual's perspective.
He did have considerable influence on American politics for decades, perhaps most so during Reagan's presidency.
Regardless of where you stand politically, this odyssey is a great way to revisit American history of the second half of the 20th century as seen through a brilliant right wing intellectual's perspective.
March 26, 2018
A well-written recount of Buckley's political life. It details his political upbringing and development, his relations with the respective Presidents he experienced, as well as how he changed over time.
Felzenberg is never afraid to point out where Buckley contradicts himself or took poor political positions (such as on on Civil Rights) but he also expresses quite an admiration for his subject. And the admiration is well-placed; Buckley was truly one-of-a-kind, the remarkable leader at the right place and the right time for conservatism.
Felzenberg is never afraid to point out where Buckley contradicts himself or took poor political positions (such as on on Civil Rights) but he also expresses quite an admiration for his subject. And the admiration is well-placed; Buckley was truly one-of-a-kind, the remarkable leader at the right place and the right time for conservatism.
July 16, 2017
Well researched and well written. Did feel the author was a little apologetic for some of Buckley's intellectual misses but his apologia was heartfelt and seemed to be the same Buckley would have made if alive. Made me miss Buckley, his columns, and his PBS weekly debate show "Firing Line". Would be interesting to see what he would have made of the Republican Party remaking itself as the modern day reincarnation of the "Know Nothing" party. I hope and feel he would have been never Trump.
January 10, 2020
This is a perfect way to tell the story of William F. Buckley, Jr., in relation to how he felt about the policies of the presidents in his lifetime. I loved reading about his disagreements with such obvious foes as JFK and LBJ and his influence on Reagan. But, it was also refreshing to read that he pulled no punches even with Ronnie. I don’t align politically with Buckley, but I sure respect his brilliance and wit!
December 24, 2019
I was curious as to the effectiveness of key columnists on key political figures. Unfortunately, the picture is even more muddy after going through this book. There really is no fixing Buckley's harmful stance during the genesis of the civil rights movement.
July 12, 2017
The best bio I've read of WFB.
September 17, 2023
A very good biography focussing on how Buckley's political views originated and evolved. I glanced through it because I found that the author often belabored facts or points.
Read
September 17, 2017I enjoyed this book, but found it difficult to get through. My primary criticism is Felzenberg's decidedly non-chronological way of telling the story. He tells Buckley's story through his relationships with individual Presidents. Unfortunately, this often plays havoc with the timeline. One page you're in the midst of Watergate, but turn the page and he's discussing Goldwater. The next page it could be Reagan. I recognize not everyone will be put off by this as much as I was, but it interfered with my enjoyment of the book. Chock full of great history, I had to read it in small bites. Buckley was an interesting character, at times admirable, at others simply despicable.
Read
October 31, 2017Wonderful read about a complex man and his influence on both political parties.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews